Senegal's Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis Airports Integrated into the ASECNA Network

Senegal took a significant step in its civil aviation sector following the 78th ordinary session of the Ministerial Committee of the Agency for Aerial Navigation Safety in Africa and Madagascar (ASECNA), held on 10 July in Ciudad de la Paz, the capital of Equatorial Guinea. The Senegalese delegation, led by the Minister of Land and Air Transport Serigne Abdoul Ahad Ndiaye, made several critical decisions of a structural nature for the country's aviation system. The most important issue addressed at the meeting was the official integration of Ziguinchor and Saint-Louis airports into ASECNA's community activities. Following this arrangement, both airports will fully benefit from the agency's programs in areas such as air navigation services, technical equipment, and operational expertise. The Senegalese government expects this integration to lay the groundwork for investments that will enhance the security and performance of national air operations.

Along with its inclusion in the ASECNA network, the technical management of Ziguinchor Airport is planned to be taken over by the agency. In a statement made by the Ministry of Transport, it was emphasized that this development aims to permanently eliminate the transportation isolation of the Casamance region. Supporting the economic, tourist, and social development of the region is also among the primary objectives of this step. On the other hand, Saint-Louis Airport, which was integrated into the network in 2025 with an uncontrolled aerodrome status, is now transitioning to a new status. Accordingly, Saint-Louis will be upgraded to a controlled airport status, gaining comprehensive air navigation services to support regional development. Developments in energy, tourism, and sub-regional trade are also expected to gain momentum with these infrastructure improvements.

Beyond the integration of the airports into the network, the ASECNA Ministerial Committee session approved other important decisions that will strengthen Senegal's aviation system. Among these decisions is the increase of the operational capacities of the Dakar Air Traffic Control Center. In this context, it was decided to review the personnel determination methodologies to respond more effectively to the increase in air traffic and international safety standards. The modernization of the Dakar control center aims to contribute to the safer and more efficient management of the regional airspace. Thanks to these improvements, Senegal's strategic position in the West African airspace will be further strengthened.

At the meeting, an emergency action plan for the modernization of the strategic equipment of Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) and the Dakar Regional Aviation Safety Center (CRNA) in Dakar was also accepted by the ministers. This comprehensive modernization program envisages bringing the entire communication, navigation, and surveillance infrastructure in line with international standards. Senegalese authorities believe that the technological updating of current systems will minimize potential disruptions in air transportation. The investments to be made under the new action plan are expected to bring the country's aviation infrastructure to global standards. All these infrastructure improvements are stated to be of critical value for passenger safety and the continuity of flight operations.

The Senegalese Ministry of Transport stated that all these outcomes are steps taken in line with the country's National Transformation Agenda. Officials emphasized that these steps reflect the government's determination to strengthen the country's sovereignty in the field of air transportation. At the same time, improving transport connectivity across the country and increasing the competitiveness of the national economy are among the fundamental goals of these strategies. With these structural reforms in civil aviation, Senegal is further clarifying its vision of becoming a regional hub. With the implementation of the decisions, the integration level of the country's air transport network is expected to increase significantly at both national and international levels.